Canada: Police investigation link a vehicle used in armed carjackings in Greater Toronto Area

Police responded to a carjacking attempt at a parking lot in the area of Yonge Street and Glen Cameron Road on April 6 at approximately 2 a.m.

The victim was walking to her vehicle when she was pulled away by an approaching suspect. In the meantime, a second suspect entered her vehicle. As the victim struggled with the suspect, she was joined by her husband to assist.

The suspects' attempt to flee in the victim’s vehicle led them to a crash into another vehicle in the parking lot while the husband attempted to pull the suspect out of the car.

The suspects then ran to a white Acura parked nearby driven by a third suspect.

It was learned through investigation that the white Acura was stolen in Peel Region on April 1.

The Acura was used on April 7 in a carjacking of a blue BMW in the City of Toronto.

Following the crash of the suspects' car, involved in carjacking, the Toronto Police Service were ultimately able to charge the suspects.

Assisted by the Emergency Response Unit, Hold Up investigators located the stolen Acura on April 13, 2024 with three suspects inside.

By utilizing flashbangs, a distraction device that produces a flash of light and loud noises, the suspects attempted to flee on foot, tossing a loaded firearm.

But all suspects were taken into custody and the stolen vehicle was recovered.

Poshur WILLIAMS, 18, of Toronto and two male youths, 15 and 16, were charged with numerous firearm and property offences. At the time, Williams was on a release order for unrelated charges.

A video of the April 6 incident and the arrest of the three suspects on April 13 can be viewed here:

Believing that there may be other suspects linked to this criminal network, investigators believe there may be other suspects and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. The investigation is ongoing.

The York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit should be contacted by anyone with information at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.

For up-to-date crime data in York Region please visit our Community Safety Data Portal at https://community-safety-portal-datayrp.hub.arcgis.com/ Crime prevention is our shared responsibility. Learn more about Operation StreetView at www.yrp.ca/registermycam. 

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)